What makes lawyers successful

Thomas J. Methvin began his legal career with Beasley Allen in 1988 representing victims of consumer fraud. He has served as Managing Shareholder of the firm since 1998. In 2007, Tom was featured in Fortune Magazine as one of America’s Premier Lawyers, and was chosen by Birmingham Magazine as one of the Best Lawyers in Alabama in the field of personal injury and mass torts. Tom is past president of the Montgomery County Bar Association, and currently serves as president elect of the Alabama State Bar Association. He will assume the office of President of the Alabama State Bar Association in July of 2009. Contact: Tom Methvin

What Makes Thomas Methvin Successful?

Work very hard, build a reputation for integrity, and actually care about the people you serve

TCL What’s your personal definition of success?

A life of priorities: God, family, and work.

TCL Who is the most successful person you know?

My Dad.

TCL What have been your greatest accomplishments?

Selecting a Godly wife who has helped raise our two boys. Also, my helping to play a role in the success of Beasley Allen.

TCL What have been your setbacks or disappointments?

Early in my career I spent too much time at work and not enough time with my family.

TCL What influence did your mother have on your life?

She taught me to always look for the good in everyone and to always forgive.

TCL What influence did your father have on your life?

He taught me that we must always care for the poor and how wrong it was to take advantage of the poor and downtrodden.

TCL Name one of your heroes (other than your parents) and tell why he or she is heroic to you

Jere Beasley. He taught me how to practice law and he taught me how to have the right priorities in life.

TCL What talents or natural abilities make you good at what you do?

The ability to get along with people. Always treating opposing counsel with respect, regardless of the circumstances. Adhering to truthfulness and sincerely caring about what happens to people.

TCL What have you learned to do that was not a natural talent but has helped you be successful?

Patience.

TCL What would a person starting out today have to do to enter your profession or position?

Work very hard, build a reputation for integrity, and actually care about the people you serve.

TCL What values do you hold in highest regard?

Honesty, loyalty, and integrity.

TCL How would you characterize your personal style?

I am a type A personality who wants everything done now.

TCL Do you have a personal vision, a positive picture of yourself in the future? If yes, what is it?

I would like to continue helping people in need.

TCL What are you most interested in or passionate about?

Helping those in need and spending time with family.

TCL Which life skills have you developed that serve you best?

Empathy for people’s situations. The ability to gather a lot of facts and consider many variables and to choose a course of action. Clear vision regarding where to head.

TCL What magazines, newspapers or journals do you read regularly?

The Montgomery Advertiser, The Alabama Lawyer, The National Law Journal, American Association for Justice Magazine.

TCL What are your favorite books? What books have you read recently that you would recommend and why?

The Appeal, Animal Farm, Sheltered By the King. I read the Bible on a daily basis and highly recommend it as a roadmap to life.

TCL What are your favorite films? What films have you seen recently that you would recommend and why?

To Kill a Mockingbird and Arthur. I haven’t seen any movies recently.

TCL What is your biggest concern about life on the planet?

War, poverty, and injustice.

TCL What is fun for you?

Walking in the woods with my boys; freshwater fishing.

TCL What especially galls you?

Injustice.

TCL If you had it to do all over again, what would you do differently? Why?

I would establish a personal relationship with Jesus Christ earlier in life because this is the true source of peace.

TCL What do you want to make sure you accomplish before you die?

I want to learn to play the piano.

TCL Is there anything you’d like to add?

Thank you!

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